Living expenses and tuition costs

Australia enjoys a standard of living which is among the highest in the world. Living expenses and tuition costs in Australia are considerably less expensive than in the UK and USA.

Tuition

The following tuition fees represent the average costs of undertaking courses of study in Australia and should be used as a guide only. Specific information about tuition fees can be obtained directly from individual institutions.

Secondary schools	A$6000 – $13,000 per year
English language training (varies depending on course duration)	A$3500 – $13,500 per year
Vocational education and training (TAFE and private colleges) Certificates I-IV Diploma Advanced Diploma	A$5500 – $18,000 per year
University Undergraduate Postgraduate Foundation studies	A$10,000 – $16,500 per year A$9000 – $18,500 per year A$9000 – $14,000 per year

Accommodation costs

There are a number of accommodation options available for students studying in Australia. Most universities and TAFE colleges operate housing offices to assist students with accommodation.  Students should seek their advice as soon as they receive confirmation of enrolment.

Homestay (living with an Australian family) is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Meals are usually included.

Many universities and colleges have halls of residence attached to them. Here, students have a bedroom/study of their own, and will share bathrooms, laundries and recreational facilities. Most of these residential halls provide meals, and some offer kitchen facilities where students can cook and store food.

Students can also rent an apartment or house. Rents vary depending on the location, size and facilities. Many students in Australia live in an apartment or a house with other students, sharing the cost of gas, electricity and sometimes food.

Other types of accommodation for students include private board, hostels and guest houses. Again, costs will vary depending on the location and the facilities available. Below is an indicative guide.

Homestay (living with an Australian family)	A$180 - 250 per week
Full board and meals	A$180 - 250 per week
University residential colleges	A$180 - 280 per week
University halls of residence	A$100 - 160 per week
Private or church-owned boarding hostels	A$90 - 130 per week
Share accommodation	A$80 - 150 per week
Rental accommodation	From A$150 per person per week
Secondary school boarding	A$8000 -11,000 per year

Living expenses

The average international student in Australia spends about A$300 per week on food, accommodation, clothing, local transport, telephone, gas/electricity, stationery, and entertainment, although this varies significantly by location and lifestyle.

International students in Australia on student visas can seek permission to work for up to 20 hours a week once they have arrived in Australia and commenced their course of study. The application charge for permission to work is A$50. This charge is in addition to the original student visa charges.

Although it is possible for international students to work whilst studying, part-time employment should not be regarded as a means of financing your studies in Australia.

Overseas student health cover

All international students coming to Australia on student visas are required to have private health insurance for the duration of their visa. Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Depending on the institution attended, students are required to join one of the following three registered health funds:

• Medibank Private
• Queensland Teachers’ Union Health Fund Limited
• National Mutual Health Insurance

Premiums vary, depending on the length of stay in Australia, but generally start from A$74 for three months’ insurance (A$274 per year). Application forms for OSHC are available from registered providers and most educational institutions.

People who visit Australia on non-student visas and undertake short-term study programs of less than three months duration are not eligible for OSHC.